Dry Eye Management
Understanding Dry Eye
Tear Film Composition:
The tear film is a thin layer covering the eye's surface. It's made up of three layers:
1. Outer Lipid Layer: This oily layer prevents evaporation of tears.
2. Middle Aqueous Layer: The watery layer nourishes the cornea and washes away debris.
3. Inner Mucin Layer: This layer helps tears spread evenly over the eye.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the tear film isn't balanced, leading to discomfort and irritation.
Symptoms:
Burning or Stinging
Redness
Foreign Body/ Gritty Sensation
Blurry/Unstable vision
Excessive tearing
Causes:
Age
Environment (wind, dry air, dust, allergens)
Screen Time (reduced blink rate)
Health Conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders i.e. Sjogrens)
Medications (i.e. birth control pills, anti-histamines, anti-depressants, acne medication)
Treatment and Management:
Artificial tears
Lifestyle adjustments (blink more, humidify)
Omega-3 supplements (fish oil, flax seed oil)
Prescription eye drops (i.e. restasis, xiidra)
Punctal plugs to retain tears
Advanced in-office treatments (i.e. Lipiflow, IPL, RFL)
Using our cutting-edge diagnostic technology, Dr. Fong will identify the root cause behind your dryness and offer a personalized remedy to ensure your eyes remain both comfortable and in optimal health. Schedule your comprehensive dryness assessment today!
Elevating Dry Eye Management with TOPCON MYAH
The TOPCON MYAH offers a thorough evaluation of your tear film and ocular health, including tear break-up time, meibography, and tear film meniscus height.
Precise Diagnosis: By analyzing these key factors, it identifies the underlying causes of your dry eye symptoms, allowing for a more accurate and personalized treatment plan.
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Topical Solutions
Mild Dry Eye: For mild cases, consider over-the-counter artificial tears. These provide quick relief by lubricating your eyes and soothing discomfort.
Moderate Dry Eye: If your dryness is more persistent, preservative-free artificial tears with increased viscosity can offer longer-lasting comfort. Look for formulations containing hyaluronic acid or lipid-based components.
Severe Dry Eye: Prescription eye drops become essential for severe dry eye. These can include anti-inflammatory drops, cyclosporine (Restasis) to enhance tear production, and lifitegrast (Xiidra) to improve tear quality. Dr. Fong will tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
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Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals, which include supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, play a vital role in managing dry eye. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that support tear production and enhance overall eye comfort. Incorporating these supplements into your regimen can complement other treatments and promote healthier tear film stability. Consult with Dr.Fong to determine the right nutraceutical approach for your dry eye management.